5 Plumbing Repair Tips For Home Sellers

Plumbing Repair Tips When Selling Your Home

Selling a home is a big deal. There are a ton of decisions, especially considering modifications to the existing property. What to remodel or update. What to leave for the next owner. It is difficult to know what changes will benefit the sale and the bottom line. Here are some plumbing repair updates that need to be completed before selling the home.

Plumbing Repair Tip 1: Clean Sells

We live in reality and know that bathrooms and kitchens get . . . dirty. However, when people participate in real estate viewings, in-person or virtually, they do not expect to see dirt, stains, or discolorations.

• Sinks and tubs should sparkle. Most discolorations can be removed with the appropriate cleaners.
• Lime in toilets or around faucets can be removed, although tough stains may take elbow grease.
• Surrounding areas must be clean.

Sometimes, these areas need to be updated, but they must always be clean.

Plumbing Repair Tip 2: Fix Leaks

An existing homeowner may ignore drips and puddles, but a potential buyer will not ignore them.

• Faucet leaks usually require some internal repairs, and the parts necessary for repairs are usually readily available. However, sometimes the faucet will need to be replaced.
• External leaks around toilets or under sinks cannot be overlooked—they will not go away by themselves. The source of the problem must first be addressed. Surrounding structures and finishes must dry thoroughly and inspected for permanent damage before being covered.
• Do not take shortcuts when dealing with leaks. Hire a professional when necessary.

Plumbing Repair Tip 3: Water Pressure

If you have been ignoring water pressure problems for years, deal with the problem before your home goes on the market.

• The building code has a wide range for residential water pressure—between 30 and 80 psi.
• High pressure creates a potential leak, placing too much pressure on fittings and faucets.
• Low pressure is annoying and unacceptable. It is probably evident while showering or flushing a toilet.
• Some faucet aerators may be clogged by sediment from the water supply. Aerators can be cleaned or replaced. If this does not fix low pressure, call a professional.

Water pressure will be evident to homebuyers and inspectors.

Plumbing Repair Tip 4: Hot Water

If hot water has been in short supply, it will be noticed in the inspection and need to be remedied.

• Check the temperature setting on the water heater; it should be set between 120 and 140 degrees.
• If the setting is right, make sure the size tank is appropriate for the family size. Generally, a tank holding 80 gallons is sufficient for three or four people; a larger tank is needed for a larger group.
• If the tank is appropriately sized and set at the proper temperature, yet producing inadequate hot water, sediment may be covering the heating element. Research and consider draining the tank to remove the sediment.

Plumbing Repair Tip 5: Frequent Clogs

If you are not thrilled when a sink or tub drains slowly, a potential buyer will not be pleased either. Know your clog sources. Clogs or severely coated drains may also create some nasty smells that need to be eliminated.

• The main sources of kitchen clogs are fats and food particles. Pour very hot water down the affected drain to remove these clogs.
• Bathroom sink and tub clogs are primarily composed of hair. Loosen the clog with a plunger. If the drain is not dislodged, it may require a drain snake to open the drain.

Selling your home and need Plumbing Repair, Doctor Cool Can Help!

Let Doctor Cool help with your Plumbing Repair questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential Plumber Contractors assist with all of your Plumbing Repair questions.